Centripetal \Cen*trip"e*tal\, a. [L. centrum center + petere to
   move toward.]
   1. Tending, or causing, to approach the center.
      
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   2. (Bot.)
      (a) Expanding first at the base of the inflorescence, and
          proceeding in order towards the summit.
      (b) Having the radicle turned toward the axis of the
          fruit, as some embryos.
          
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   3. Progressing by changes from the exterior of a thing toward
      its center; as, the centripetal calcification of a bone.
      --R. Owen.
      
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   {Centripetal force} (Mech.), a force whose direction is
      towards a center, as in case of a planet revolving round
      the sun, the center of the system, See {Centrifugal  force}, under {Centrifugal}.

   {Centripetal impression} (Physiol.), an impression (sensory)
      transmitted by an afferent nerve from the exterior of the
      body inwards, to the central organ.
      
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